After SR-22 Insurance
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South Carolina SR-22 Insurance After DUI or Suspension

South Carolina requires 25/50/25 liability coverage and is an at-fault state.

Find Affordable Coverage After SR-22

South Carolina at a Glance

25/50/25

Minimum liability limits, in thousands of dollars (per person / per accident / property)

At-fault

The at-fault driver's insurance pays for the damage they cause

Required

Uninsured motorist coverage must be on every policy

$100

State license reinstatement fee

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Minimum Coverage Requirements in South Carolina

Drivers with a DUI, license suspension, uninsured accident, or multiple violations typically receive an SR-22 filing requirement from the South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles, lasting 3 years from the reinstatement date.

Liability Insurance

South Carolina's 25/50/25 minimum is mandatory for all drivers and serves as the foundation of any SR-22 policy. For post-SR22 drivers, maintaining at least state minimums continuously for 12–24 months after the filing ends signals stability to underwriters and accelerates rate recovery. Many carriers offer standard rates to former SR-22drivers within 18 months if no new violations occur during that window.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

South Carolina law requires insurers to offer uninsured motorist coverage matching your liability limits, and you must reject it in writing to decline.

Full Coverage

Full coverage combines South Carolina's liability minimums with comprehensive and collision coverage on your vehicle. Post-SR22 drivers with loans typically maintain full coverage for 6–12 months while shopping for standard carriers that offer lower collision and comprehensive premiums than non-standard carriers.

Comprehensive Coverage

Comprehensive covers non-collision damage: theft, vandalism, hail, flooding, and animal strikes. South Carolina experiences frequent severe weather including hurricanes and flooding in coastal and Lowcountry areas, and comprehensive claims do not count as at-fault violations that extend your rate recovery timeline. For post-SR22 drivers, maintaining comprehensive through the first 12 months after filing ends protects against weather-related loss without risking a new violation.

SR-22 Insurance

SR-22 is not a type of insurance but a certificate filed by your insurer with the South Carolina DMV proving you carry at least state minimum liability. The filing requirement typically lasts 3 years from your reinstatement date, and your insurer must notify the DMV within 30 days if your policy lapses or cancels. Once your 3-year period ends, the DMV does not automatically notify you—you must proactively request an SR-22 release letter from your insurer and confirm with the DMV that the requirement has been removed from your record before shopping standard carriers.

What Drivers Pay in South Carolina

$327–$411/mo

Typical monthly rate in South Carolina, high-risk drivers after a DUI

Rate data: ValuePenguin and Insurify, 2026

What Affects Your Rate

  • Clean driving during and after SR-22 period: zero violations for 12+ months qualifies you for standard carrier consideration
  • Type of original violation: DUI typically adds 24–36 months to full rate recovery vs. suspension for points
  • Credit score impact: South Carolina allows credit-based insurance scoring, and post-SR22 drivers with improved credit see faster rate recovery
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Your SR-22 Is Over. Your Rate Should Drop Too

Find Affordable Coverage After SR-22

If your license is suspended

Route Restricted Drivers License (DL-127); separate Provisional License for first-offense DUI/DUAC

application fee $100.

A coverage lapse is reported

The state acts on a lapse after 20 days.

Source: state DMV, insurance department and statute records, verified July 2026

Coverage Types

Liability Insurance

Covers bodily injury and property damage you cause to others in an at-fault accident. South Carolina's 25/50/25 minimums are the legal floor, but post-SR22 drivers shopping standard carriers often increase to 50/100/50 or 100/300/100 to demonstrate responsibility and access better carrier options.

Uninsured Motorist Coverage

Pays for your injuries and vehicle damage when an at-fault driver has no insurance or inadequate limits. South Carolina requires insurers to offer UM coverage at the same limits as your liability policy, and you must reject it in writing.

Comprehensive Coverage

Covers non-collision damage to your vehicle: theft, vandalism, fire, hail, flooding, and animal strikes. Comprehensive claims are not at-fault events and do not count as violations that delay your rate recovery timeline.

Collision Coverage

Pays for damage to your vehicle in an at-fault accident or collision with an object, minus your deductible. Collision is typically the most expensive component of full coverage for post-SR22 drivers.

Full Coverage

Combines liability, comprehensive, and collision into a complete protection package. Full coverage is required by lenders if you finance or lease a vehicle, and it protects your asset and rate recovery timeline simultaneously.

Non-Standard Auto Insurance

Policies issued by carriers specializing in high-risk drivers, including those with active SR-22 requirements, DUIs, or suspensions. Non-standard carriers typically charge 50–150% more than standard carriers but accept drivers standard carriers will not.

Find Your City in South Carolina

Charleston

urban

Columbia

urban

North Charleston

suburban

Mount Pleasant

suburban

Rock Hill

suburban

Greenville

urban

Summerville

suburban

Spartanburg

urban